Local Kendo fighters prepare to take on the world
Two local participants will represent South Africa in South Korea this weekend in a sport commonly known as 'Japanese fencing'.
Two Pretoria kendoka are ready to take on the world.
Emille Odendaal and Yentl Krugel have been chosen to represent South Africa as part of the national kendo team that will be competing in the World Kendo Championships in South Korea this coming weekend.
Often described as ‘Japanese fencing’, kendo has its origin in the martial art developed by the ancient samurai. It is now a full-combat, modern martial art practised in South Africa and around the world. Competitors (also known as kendoka) wear full armour (bogu) and strike their opponents using a bamboo sword (shinai).
Krugel, who will be competing in the women’s competition, is one of only two ladies going to South Korea. She has represented South Africa before on the international stage, first in Taekwando, then at the European Kendo Championships.
“I want to create awareness that there is a strong kendo presence in Africa. I think we are not only representing ourselves but are ambassadors for the continent,” Krugel said before the team’s departure.
She told the Rekord that she was excited to compete on the world stage.
“I also feel it’s important as a female athlete to set an example for the next generation of female kendoka. We need to inspire them,” said Krugel.
Odendaal, who started kendo three years ago, will be making his first appearance in international competition and admitted to being both ‘super excited’ and a little nervous.
When asked what he most wanted to accomplish in South Korea, he said, he has to score at least one ippon (point).
Both Krugel and Odendaal train at Mushin Dojo, the only kendo dojo in Pretoria. To find out more about kendo and Mushin Dojo, visit their website at https://mushinkendo.co.za
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